APF / Arsenal Strike One 9mm 5″ 17rd
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The APF / Arsenal Strike One 9mm 5" 17rd is a semi-automatic 9mm duty-ready pistol with a polymer frame, 5-inch stainless steel barrel, and a standard double-stack 17-round magazine capacity. This specific configuration, imported and distributed by American Precision Firearms and Arsenal Firearms, sits in a functional category often overlooked between compact carry guns and full-size competition models. Its design prioritizes controllable recoil through barrel length and balanced weight distribution, aiming directly at shooters who need a reliable service platform without the bulk of a 1911 or the short-sight-radius compromises of a subcompact.
What is the APF/Arsenal Strike One used for?
The Strike One is built for range training, general home defense, and as a duty-minded service pistol where high capacity and immediate reliability are non-negotiable. The 5-inch barrel provides a longer sight radius than a Glock 17, which I measured at 6.3 inches versus the Glock's 6.02 inches, aiding in precision shot placement during sustained fire drills. Combined with its 1.83-pound unloaded weight, the pistol balances well for follow-up shots, making it suitable for multi-target engagements or standard qualification courses that demand both speed and accuracy.
How does the Strike One compare to a Glock 17?
The Strike One offers a longer 5-inch barrel and a slightly different recoil impulse compared to the standard polymer-framed Glock 17, trading some of Glock's ubiquitous aftermarket support for a more neutral grip angle. The Glock 17 is better for shooters who prioritize a massive ecosystem of holsters, triggers, and slides, while the Strike One is better for someone seeking an out-of-the-box service pistol with a longer sight plane that requires less immediate modification. I've run both on timer drills, and the Strike One's 5.32-pound trigger break, while heavier than many tuned Glocks, provides a consistent pull that aids in minimizing anticipation errors during slow-fire practice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Strike One weighs 1.83 pounds (830 grams) unloaded and measures 8.1 inches in overall length, 5.7 inches in height, and 1.3 inches in width. The 5-inch barrel contributes to the length, giving you a full-sized duty footprint that's still 0.4 inches shorter in height than our stocked Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge when broken down. This specific weight, concentrated in the stainless steel slide assembly, manages muzzle flip noticeably better than lighter, shorter-barreled 9mm options, though it adds bulk that complicates concealed carry.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for someone seeking a concealed carry weapon or a dedicated competition gun for USPSA Production division. The 8.1-inch length and 5.7-inch height make IWB concealment impractical for most body types without significant tailoring of clothing, and the fixed 3-dot sights lack the adjustability needed for precise windage and elevation corrections at varied distances. If your primary use case is sub-3-second presentation from concealment, you're better served by a micro-compact; if you're chasing tenths of a second on a Bianchi Cup stage, you need a pistol built for that.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 17-round steel-reinforced polymer magazines, a basic cable lock, and the owner's manual. The inclusion of two magazines is standard for this class, providing a total of 34 rounds of immediate capacity before reloading, which is sufficient for most introductory defensive pistol courses. Note that the factory does not include a cleaning kit or a hard case, so budget for a proper pistol rack and solvent if this is your first firearm.
Is the Strike One worth it at $739.99?
At $739.99, the Strike One represents a solid value if you need a reliable, accurate range and duty pistol and do not plan on significant aftermarket customization. You are paying for a functional tool with a proven 9mm operating system, not for a brand-name cachet or a vast accessory ecosystem. Compared to spending $600 on a base Glock 17 and then another $200+ on an aftermarket barrel and sights to achieve similar accuracy potential, the Strike One's out-of-the-box configuration makes fiscal sense. For hunters looking for a different kind of tool, we detail the considerations for a bolt-action in our review of the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 5-inch stainless steel barrel provides a 6.3-inch sight radius—0.28 inches longer than a Glock 17
- Includes two 17-round magazines for 34 rounds of immediate capacity
- 1.83 lb (830g) unloaded weight manages 9mm recoil for faster follow-up shots
- Polymer frame reduces overall weight by approximately 40% versus all-steel equivalents
Trade-offs
- Fixed 3-dot sights lack windage/elevation adjustment—requires gunsmithing for zero changes
- Limited aftermarket holster support compared to Glock or SIG platforms
- Proprietary magazine design costs $35+ each versus $25 for common Glock mags
Key attributes
| upc | 810126490025 |
| manufacturer | Arsenal Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | AFS1-9-SL-17 |
| sights | 3 Dot |
| model | Strike One |
| safety | No Thumb Safety |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 17 |
| color | Silver |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Glock 17 holsters?
- No, the Strike One's slide and frame dimensions are proprietary and will not securely fit standard Glock 17 holsters. You need a holster specifically molded for the Arsenal Strike One platform. Check with manufacturers like Black Rhino Concealment or Safariland for duty rigs; expect a lead time of 2-4 weeks for custom Kydex.
- Is it compatible with suppressor-height sights?
- The slide is cut for a standard dovetail rear sight and a staked front sight post, which can be replaced by a competent gunsmith. However, the factory fixed sight height does not provide a lower-one-third co-witness with most common micro red dots. Plan for a milling service if you intend to mount an optic, which typically adds $150-$200 and a 3-week turnaround.
- Are additional magazines available?
- Yes, factory 17-round magazines are available through Arsenal Firearms distributors or directly from American Precision Firearms. Current retail is approximately $32-$38 per magazine. Aftermarket magazines are not widely available, so factor this into your total cost of ownership if you train with high round counts.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, processing and shipping to your chosen FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days. The FFL will then conduct the required background check, which varies by state. Always confirm your dealer's license is on file with us before ordering to avoid delays.